Fitting tribute to Welsh great

One of Wales' greatest sporting heroes Ken Jones has been honoured in his hometown of Blaenavon.

Jones was a sporting all-rounder, an Olympic sprinting silver medallist who also won Commonwealth and European honours.

Jones also used his speed to help Wales to two Grand Slams, in 1950 and 1952. He scored 17 tries in 44 consecutive appearances in a Wales jersey, one of which helped pull off the historic victory over New Zealand in 1953.

Now, with the help of the Welsh Government, the Welsh Rugby Union and a hard working group of organisers and fundraisers, a statue has been unveiled in his Torfaen birthplace as a tribute to his many achievements.

WRU president Dennis Gethin said, "We were thrilled to back the campaign for a statue to Ken Jones because he was one of the great names not only of Welsh rugby but of Welsh sport having won an Olympic silver medal and Commonwealth medals. Ken was also a true gentleman having known him personally. The statue is a culmination of a lot of effort by the whole community, something Ken's family and the town of Blaenavon can be very proud of."

Alan Jones, the chairman of Blaenavon RFC, the Ken Jones committee chair, and a cousin of Ken's added: "The aim of the committee was to raise enough money to produce, erect and maintain a statue in memory of Ken Jones, Blaenavon's most famous son. His achievements in both athletics and rugby union were phenomenal and will never be repeated. The sculptor, Laury Dizengremel worked very closely with us and has really done Ken's likeness and legacy proud.

"The Welsh Rugby Union started it all off by donating £5,000 towards the fund for which we are very grateful. Personally I'm very proud to have been part of this campaign, it's a great day for the family and for everyone involved."

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